When you use a GPS app such as Waze or Google Maps, you are engaging with augmented reality (AR). AR is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, allowing users to interact with both their physical surroundings and virtual objects in new ways. In this article, we will explore how GPS apps use AR to enhance the user experience and provide valuable information.
GPS apps have become an essential tool for navigating our world, providing turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and real-time information on road conditions and hazards. But these apps do much more than just point you in the right direction. They also use AR to provide a richer and more immersive experience for the user.
One of the most common ways that GPS apps use AR is through turn-by-turn navigation. As you drive, your app will display arrows on your phone’s screen, pointing you in the direction you need to go. But instead of just following the arrows, you can also see the location of the next turn in 3D, giving you a better sense of where you are going and helping you avoid getting lost.
In addition to turn-by-turn navigation, GPS apps also use AR to provide real-time information on road conditions and hazards. For example, if there is an accident or construction zone ahead, your app will display a warning icon on the map, alerting you to take caution. This information can help you avoid traffic jams and accidents, making your journey smoother and safer.
GPS apps also use AR to provide additional information about the locations you pass by. For example, as you drive past a restaurant, your app might display information about the menu, hours of operation, and customer reviews, all overlaid on top of the real world. This information can help you make informed decisions about where to stop for a meal or a cup of coffee.
Overall, GPS apps use AR to enhance the user experience by providing valuable information in a more immersive and interactive way. By overlapping digital information onto the real world, these apps allow users to engage with their physical surroundings in new and exciting ways, making navigation easier, safer, and more enjoyable.